by Ian Marshall, Editor

Nina Mittelham and Shan Xiaona gave Germany the ideal start, they accounted for Elizabeta Samara and Daniela Dodean, the 2009 and 2012 European champions, in five games (9-11, 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6) to set the tone for the engagement. It was a contest in which logic favoured Romania.

“The doubles set us on course. It was a difficult match; the victory allowed us to be more relaxed and gave us more options. Defeat would have reduced our opportunities. In addition, the win made me feel more confident in case I was needed in the singles.” Nina Mittelham

Solid a rock in defence, Han Ying proved too secure for Bernadette Szocs, a four games win was the order of the day (9-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-2); Germany now in the ascendancy, the Tokyo air in the nostrils, Shan Xiaona accounted for Daniela Dodean (11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7) bring matters to a conclusion.

“She beat me at the European Championships. Now I was ready for her. I had avenged my defeat.  Now I have year and half to prepare for Japan. It is great. Now we are not under pressure.” Han Ying

Success for Germany followed success and bronze for Poland; a 3-2 outcome being the result against Hungary.

Mainstay of the victory was Li Qian; in the second match of the fixture she beat Georgina Pota (11-5, 3-11, 11-8, 13-11), before in the vital fifth and deciding contest of the engagement overcoming Szandra Pergel (11-3, 10-12, 11-1, 11-9) to seal the victory.

The one further win for Poland was secured by Natalia Partyka; in the third match on the itinerary, she overcame Dora Madarasz (13-11, 4-11, 11-8, 1-11, 11-8).

The wins for Hungary were secure in the doubles by Dora Madarasz and Szandra Pergel who accounted for Natalia Bajor and Natalia Partyka (11-8, 5-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9) and in the fourth match of the contest when Georgina Pota beat Natalia Bajor (11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5).

Success for Poland but the hour belonged to Germany, Tokyo bound.

Quotes of the Day

Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Saturday 22nd June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Sunday 23rd June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Monday 24th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Tuesday 25th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Wednesday 26th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Thursday 27th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Friday 28th June)
Minsk 2019 2nd European Games: Quotes of the Day (Saturday 29th June)

Results

Minsk 2019 2nd European Games – Table Tennis: Latest Results

Information

Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Qualification Procedure
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Schedule of Play

Seeding

Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Seeding – Men’s Singles
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Seeding – Women’s Singles
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Seeding – Mixed Doubles

Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Special Team Ranking Men (December 2018)
Minsk 2019 European Games – Table Tennis: Special Team Ranking Women (December 2018)